No need to swap out your existing deadbolt with a newfangled device – this circular switch slots right over your locking mechanism, but shifts the method of unlocking to entirely new territory.

Designed by Jason Johnson and Yves Behar, the August Smart Lock can sense your approach automatically, saving you the trouble of taking out your virtual ‘key’, or can be activated remotely for house guests or a forgetful child or spouse.

Further settings include the ability to allow certain persons to key in codes at particular times or on particular days, so a delivery can be made, dog can be walked or house can be cleaned, all without handing over a full-time means of access.

From the creators: “Have you ever lost your keys? I am willing to bet that 99% of us have. In the last year, 20% of Americans have been locked out of their homes at least once. Humanity has been carrying keys, sharp pieces of metal in our pockets, for 200 years… it’s time we think of something else.”

Newsletter Sign Up

Get the latest design news!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest design news.

Thanks for subscribing! Expect a newsletter with the latest out-of-the ordinary designs and innovation soon.

Sign Up

I agree to receive emails from the site. I can withdraw my consent at any time by unsubscribing. Dornob's privacy policy.

“At a time when we easily use technology for our banking, retail or lifestyle tracking, it is logical to transform the way we access our home. The August Smart Lock works with your existing deadbolt, and allows you to send a virtual key to guests or contractors to gain entry into your home without the need for a physical exchange of keys. You can specify the number of guests, how long the keys are virtually active for and disable them at any time – making access simpler and more secure. As the homeowner, or a guest, arrives at the door it will auto-unlock without the need to pull ones phone out of the pocket, and auto-lock behind the user.”

“Once installed on your existing deadbolt, August simply uses a Bluetooth LE connection with your smartphone to lock and unlock the door. Whether a guest comes to stay, the dog walker is scheduled, or a delivery is expected, the August app can be used to send a virtual key that will open the door at your specified time, tailoring access according to the person. Once this time window expires, guests lose access privileges and you can be assured they no longer have access to your property – and with encrypted security, your virtual key can never be copied.”

The post Key-Free Lock with Smartphone Access first appeared on Dornob.